Nice, France to Begin Europe's First Contactless Card Trial

The city of Nice, France is engaging in a large contactless card project said to be the first use of near-field mobile communication in Europe.

The project has the support of the French government and is being developed in conjunction with mobile operators, banks, transport operators and the retail sector. Bank Credit Mutuel-CIC is issuing the cards, contactless card manufacturer Gemalto will provide the near-field communication chip cards and telecommunications company Orange will provide mobile services. Citizens of and visitors to Nice will be able to use their NFC-enabled mobile phones to pay at restaurants, supermarkets and local stores, as well as ride the city's buses and tramways.